A Few Simple Tips to Make Commuting by Foot in Boston Better

When commuting by foot on a busy Boston sidewalk, here are some very basic, easy tips to keep in mind. If all pedestrians follow these simple tips, the world would be a better place as far as I’m concerned.

DO:
1. WALK!
2. Be aware of your surroundings --- people, traffic, signs, etc.

DO NOT:
1. Read anything other than a street sign (NO books, newspapers, electronic devices, etc.)
2. Text. If it involves taking your eyes off the sidewalk and the people around you, DON’T DO IT!

That's all. Thank you!

MBTA to Cut Service During Winter Storms

According to a recent report in the Boston Globe, the MBTA has announced a new plan to deal with harsh winter weather this year. To avoid a repeat of last winter when the T was inundated with criticism for equipment failures, service delays, stranded passengers, etc., the T has announced its plan for this winter: to run fewer trains in severe winter weather.

This might seem counterintuitive to some, but here’s the rationale:

Cancelling about 23% of commuter rail trains in advance will hopefully allow workers and equipment more time to keep up with battling the winter weather while giving remaining trains a better chance of arriving on time. As a reference point, three of every four commuter trains were late, and some stalled for hours, last winter. Buses and subways will see less dramatic service reductions.

The MBTA is urging riders to go to a new website, mbta.com/winter, for information on the T’s service during severe winter weather.

Top 5 Things to Do When Crammed onto a Train!

This morning's ride on the Franklin/Forge Park commuter rail line was the third in the past two weeks in which riders have been crammed into the cars. On one hand I appreciate the nice conductors' apologies for the situation and their attempts to get everyone on board, but on the other hand, I wish I didn't have to stand so close to the people around me (and I'm sure they feel the same way about me).

What's more is that when I am packed in so closely to these strangers, I don't know where to look! Since I don't want to stare directly into a stranger's eyes, here's my top five list of things to do/places to look when you find yourself jam packed into a train:

1. FLOOR - the floor is always a good option. There are lots of things to look at: people's shoes, garbage, bags, etc.

2. BODY PARTS - check out someone's neck, back or shoulders. This morning I saw one guy wearing a crazy looking bow tie, and a piece of lint on someone else's jacket.

3. HORIZON - try to catch a glimpse of the outside world via a window, or direct your stare further down the train to people on the other side, as it's always easier to stare at someone who may not realize you're staring right at them.

4. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE - a neccessity on any train ride, really! Check your email or the news, play a game, listen to music, etc. Avoid talking on your phone though! It's bad enough when people talk on the phone in a non-crowded train...forget about when you're crammed in tightly and get stuck next to a phone talker.

5. BOOK - real or electronic is ok. Take this time to catch up on your reading. Opt for the book or e-book instead of a newspaper though, since a newspaper really requires much more personal/arm/lap space than you'll have in this situation.

This morning, my door-to-door commute to work took TWO hours! I expect a longer commute on Tuesdays because my commute involves driving, walking and taking the T, as opposed to just taking the commuter rail and walking. But TWO hours is way too long for me! Glad I don't have to do that every day. 

Speaking of long commutes, this article from the Huffington Post talks about the impact of commuting on your health: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/commute-health-car-bus_n_1067503.html

How long is your commute to work?

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